John Thomas McGrath, son of Philip and Catherine McGrath,
was born in Woosung, July 21, 1867, and passed away at his home
in this city, Saturday afternoon, January 11, at 4:30 oclock.
An illness of exactly two weeks exactly preceded his death.

Educated in the Woosung schools, Mr. McGrath grew to young
manhood in that community. He conducted a lumber office there,
engaging in business in 1882. A few years later he moved to
this city where he and his brother-in-law, J. M. Attely, formed
a partnership in the lumber and coal business. On January 1,
1929, the company was merged with that of A. J. Hersch and since
that time has been conducted under the firm name of the McGrath-Hersch
Lumber Company. Mr. McGrath was in his forty-eighth year of
business life at the time of his death.

On November 11, 1890, Mr. McGrath and Miss Ansiebel Curran
were united in marriage. To this union were born three daughters,
Mrs. Catherine Phalen of Sparat, Wisconsin, Miss Aileen and Miss
Annabel John of Polo, all of whom survive. Besides the widow
and the three daughters, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. J.
M. Attley of Chicago, a brother, E. J. McGrath of Chicago and
two grandsons, John and Charles Phalen of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Active in the business life of this community for many
years, Mr. McGrath formed many friendships. He took a prominent
part of the many movements for the betterment of the community.
At the time of his death he was serving the city in the capacity
of the city engineer. He served at various times as Democratic
precinct committeeman.

In February of 1901, Mr. McGrath was elected president
of the Illinois Lumber Dealers Association and served in
that office for one term.

Always prominent in St. Marys Church of this city,
Mr. McGrath had served for years as a church trustee, holding
that office at the time of his death. He planned and superintended
the construction of the present church in 1899. Later he superintended
the construction of the rectory.

During the World War, Mr. McGrath was active in war work.
He was a member of the County Council of Defense and served
on the Fuel Conservation Committee.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at St. Marys
Church. Rev. Fr. J. J. Hackett as celebrant was assisted by
Rev. Fr. John S. Finn of Chicago, a former Polo pastor. Mrs.
M. Ward, daughter Celeste and son Jack of Sterling were the singers.
Mrs. Ward was assisted at the organ by Mrs. Chas. B. Sisson
of this city. Interment was in St. Marys Cemetery, Polo.